Using drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in disaster management has revolutionised emergency response efforts across the globe, a South African Insurer says.

ITOO Special Risks is insurance company Hollard’s subsidiary that has charge of special emerging risks like cyber, environmental liability, as well as drone technology.

The company has committed itself to understanding the local drone landscape better; to the extent that it has appointed a point person for drone insurance – a position which is held by Kopano Tholo.

Well, Tholo has given his views on the application of drone technology in disaster recovery and management, given how floods, wildfires and even freak occurrences like a whole city street getting blown up have been keeping insurance companies awake at night of late.

Tholo is of the opinion that; with their ability to provide real-time data, high-resolution imagery and rapid assessment capabilities, drones have become indispensable tools in managing disasters effectively and efficiently.

In South Africa, drones are primarily used in disaster management to rapidly assess damage to infrastructure and affected areas after natural disasters like floods or fires, providing crucial data for efficient emergency response planning.

Tholo, the drone expert at ITOO Special Risks, explains that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) play a crucial role in creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional maps through aerial reconnaissance, particularly in inaccessible areas. This capability is instrumental for rescuers in identifying potential hazards and determining the prioritisation of relief efforts.

“Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors rapidly capture detailed images and data, creating accurate maps of areas affected by disasters,” Tholo says.

“This quick assessment helps authorities identify the most impacted zones, plan rescue operations, and allocate resources efficiently.”

He notes that drones are also well-suited for search and rescue operations because they can cover large areas quickly. When equipped with thermal imaging cameras, drones can detect heat signatures from people trapped under debris or lost in remote locations, even in low-light conditions. This capability greatly enhances the chances of locating and rescuing survivors promptly.

“In situations where traditional access routes are blocked or destroyed, drones can be used to deliver essential supplies such as medical kits, food and water to isolated communities or stranded individuals.

This accelerates relief efforts and reduces the risk to human responders who might otherwise have to navigate dangerous conditions.”

Furthermore, drones can also be deployed to monitor ongoing hazards such as wildfires, chemical spills or floods, providing real-time data on their progression. This information is critical for implementing containment strategies, evacuating at-risk populations and preventing further damage.

“Post-disaster, drones can inspect critical infrastructure like bridges, roads and power lines to assess damage and prioritise repairs.

This accelerates the restoration of essential services and aids in the recovery process,” says Tholo.

He notes the crucial contribution that drones have made towards disaster management efficacy cannot be overstated, with UAVs increasingly being developed and adapted for disaster management, preparedness and mitigation efforts.

Says Tholo; “Their effectiveness in terms of increasing disaster management efficiency speaks for itself. Drones have been shown to reduce response times by up to 50 percent in disaster scenarios, while the use of drones can save up to 30 percent in operational costs compared to traditional methods.

“Drones have been credited with saving numerous lives in disaster situations worldwide. For instance, during the 2017 Mexico City earthquake, drones were used to locate survivors trapped under debris, significantly improving rescue operations.”

Considering the crucial role that UAVs play in enhancing disaster management efforts, the drone insurance market is also likely to see significant growth as this type of technology becomes ever more pervasive in the disaster management space.

“Drone insurance should be a fundamental consideration for operators engaged in disaster management in South Africa. It provides essential financial protection against potential damages or injuries incurred during operations, particularly in high-risk emergencies,” says Tholo.

“The heightened risks associated with such scenarios necessitate the implementation of comprehensive insurance measures to safeguard both the operators and the communities they serve.

“Insurance serves to protect both the operator of drones and any individuals or property that may be impacted in the event of an accident or malfunction. This protection is of particular significance given the potential legal liabilities associated with commercial drone operations. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure operational continuity during critical disaster response efforts.”

The integration of drones into disaster management strategies in South Africa has proven to be a game-changer, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of emergency response efforts. However, it is important to remember that regulations in many African countries, including South Africa, require operators to have liability cover in place to be able to operate a drone for commercial purposes in their respective airspace.

“As South Africa continues to face various natural and human-made disasters, the role of drones in mitigating their impact and saving lives cannot be overstated as their use continues to grow, ensuring proper drone insurance becomes essential to mitigate risks and protect operators and the public,” Tholo concludes.